Fall 2007

Streets at Prairie Center, Brighton, CO The Streets at Prairie Center wanted an upscale streetscaping theme to compliment the lively colors and pick up some of interesting textures on the retail buildings. CHI was asked to be a part of the team during the design phase to help streamline and enhance the concrete material selection process. Some of the notable selections that you see are black colored Sandscape Texture™ concrete with a reflective aggregate that is used in some of the bands and the step work. A prairie colored imprinted Bomanite® concrete was used in other areas to compliment some of the stonework on the buildings.


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Exhibit at Bear Cave, Parker, CO An intricate floor was designed to resemble a “beaten path” for the Wildlife Experience in Parker, Colorado. The floor topping was needed to cover up the damage of the old floor while withstanding the heavy foot traffic. The beauty of this project is that if they should lapse on the maintenance schedule and walk off the wax and sealant, it should only accent the characteristic "used" effect originally intended.


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	Bullnose Steps Traditionally bullnose steps were left to the stone masons to install with natural stone or pre-cast concrete. With special forming techniques, Colorado Hardscapes has installed some outstanding cast-in-place bullnose steps. These steps can be colored and textured with broom finishing, Sandscape Texture, or Bomanite. The profile and shadow lines of a bullnose step make it much more attractive than a typical concrete step at a very modest increase in cost.

A Major Shift in the Rock Industry: Colorado Hardscapes and di Giacomo Merge

In September, Colorado Hardscapes, Inc. acquired di Giacomo, Inc., the California based company formerly owned by world famous rock-scape artisan Philip di Giacomo. This merger channels two creative forces into a formidable alliance in the world of outdoor environments.

Philip has not stopped working; he was just tired of running a business. His only objective now is to design and build rock formations that enhance people’s lives. That is why di Giacomo sought out third-generation, family owned Colorado Hardscapes, it’s a sixty year old company that could easily rest on their laurels but they don’t. They care about making their work better; they are constantly asking the questions about the process and about how to improve the work. Colorado Hardscapes aligns themselves with the best, most innovative people, and quite simply, di Giacomo is the best rock maker in the world.

Currently, the di Giacomo division of Colorado Hardscapes is working on the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, a public art project in Atlanta that is under contract for the remainder of 2007, and several international projects that are being examined for 2008.

Our Team Profile: Philip di Giacomo

	Since 1964, his studio--di Giacomo Inc. in Azusa, Calif. has produced some of the most spectacular artificial rock formations and waterfeatures worldwide. Tanner Fountain in Harvard Square, designed by architectural icon Peter Walker, constructed by Philip di Giacomo, is only one of his many creations. In September 2007, CHI aquired di Giacomo Inc. The Rock & Water Feature Division of CHI added a di Giacomo product line where Philip remains the driving and creative force for all of Colorado Hardscapes’ rock work. Phillip di Giacomo will divide his time between his California studio and Colorado Hardscapes’ Design Center and office in Denver where he will act as a mentor and director for Colorado Hardscapes’ staff, overseeing projects from the model to final inspection. To learn more about di Giacomo, we invite you to come to a learn over lunch at our Design Center on Tuesday, December 11th from noon to 1:30. Call Hallie at 303-750-8200 to RSVP or for moreinformation Contact Phillip by calling the Colorado office at 303.750.8200, his studio in California at 818.907.0990 or email info@coloradohardscapes.com.

		Meet Our Team

	Outrageous Concrete Polishing Projects Featured Recently Concrete Network featured the article “What to Expect from a Polished Concrete Floor”. The University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Fitzsimmons Campus, Educational Facility 2, is the project spotlighted. The article highlights the idea that when you polish a concrete floor, the floor can only be as good as the concrete you're polishing allows it to be. Also in the article, Colorado Hardscapes’ John Buteyn reiterates the importance of managing the owner’s expectations in a project of this nature.

		"What to Expect from a Polished Concrete Floor" from Concrete Network, Read the article


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